Eliquis Approved for People With Heart Rhythm Disorder
THURSDAY, Jan. 3 (HealthDay News) -- The blood thinner Eliquis (apixaban) has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to help prevent stroke and dangerous blood clots in people with atrial fibrillation that isn't caused by a heart valve problem.
Atrial fibrillation is a common type of abnormal heart rhythm, in which the heart's two chambers don't contract normally. This may promote the formation of blood clots, which can travel to the brain and elsewhere, the FDA said in a news release.
Eliquis was evaluated in a clinical study of more than 18,000 people. People who took Eliquis had fewer strokes than those who took another anti-clotting drug, warfarin, the FDA said. As with similar drugs, the most frequent serious reaction to Eliquis was significant bleeding, the agency added.
Eliquis should not be taken by people with prosthetic heart valves, or by people whose atrial fibrillation is caused by a heart valve problem, the FDA said.
The drug is produced by Bristol-Myers Squibb, based in Princeton, N.J.
More information
The American Heart Association has more about atrial fibrillation.
Related Articles- Control of Heart Risks May Vary Among Outpatient Practices
May 17, 2013 - Age Amplifies Damage From Obesity, Study Finds
May 17, 2013
Learn More About Sharp
Sharp HealthCare is San Diego's health care leader with seven hospitals, two medical groups and a health plan. Learn more about our San Diego hospitals, choose a Sharp-affiliated San Diego doctor or browse our comprehensive medical services.
Copyright ©2012 HealthDay. All rights reserved.
Sharp HealthCare is a 2007 Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award Recipient